Winning Dubai the Trust of the West

As developing nations join the ranks of world leaders, culture clashes are inevitable. Even as they adopt the progressive trappings of global capitalism, ancient institutions – inimical to Western values – persist.

Problem

Amid tremendous growth, Dubai faced communications challenges ranging from human rights to rule-of-law issues. Even as the government modernized its laws on labor rights and human trafficking, international media and the U.S. government intensified pressure to move even faster.

Approach

LEVICK’S multi-year campaign powerfully underscored the tangible progress that had already been made. Direct outreach to public officials and watchdogs led to a conspicuous upgrade in the State Department Report on Trafficking in Persons. One State Department official called the emirate’s progress “a model for the region,” positioning its leaders to present Dubai as an ideal alternative to terrorism for populations throughout the region.

Results

The stage was set for the merger of the Borse Dubai with NASDAQ – and the successful navigation of the complex (and potentially deal-killing) regulatory maze in Washington.